How to become a Quality Assurance Inspector
Quality assurance inspectors examine manufactured products, primary produce, goods and services to make sure they meet all standards of presentation and quality. With experience and sometimes further training, it may be possible to become a quality assurance manager, who has responsibility for all quality systems within an organisation.
Personal requirements for a Quality Assurance Inspector
- Enjoy clerical and administrative work
- Good oral and written communication skills
- Able to work independently or as part of a team
- Eye for detail
- Able to analyse and solve problems
- Conscious of safety and the environment
Education & Training for a Quality Assurance Inspector
You can work as a quality assurance inspector without formal qualifications. You will probably get some informal training on the job.Entry into this occupation may be improved if you have qualifications and you may like to consider a VET course. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information.
Duties & Tasks of a Quality Assurance Inspector
Quality assurance inspectors:
- Study product and/or service specifications
- Sample products or services to determine whether they meet specifications and quality standards, and initiate corrective action if necessary
- Analyse quality assurance data and make recommendations for improvement
- Train and assist operators to carry out their quality control functions
- Check details of assemblies
- Compile reports.
Tasks
- Studies product specifications and takes measurement to determine conformity to specifications.
- Examines products for defects and grades produce.
- Designates grading of produce and records details of assessment according to classification system.
Working conditions for a Quality Assurance Inspector
Quality assurance inspectors are required to communicate with production workers, production managers and suppliers and work together to develop systems that promote quality.
Employment Opportunities for a Quality Assurance Inspector
Quality assurance inspectors work in all sectors of the economy, but especially in the manufacturing and processing industries. They are usually experienced workers who have worked their way up through the company. Many private organisations and government departments have developed or are developing formal quality assurance and continuous improvement programs. There is a growing trend with employers seeking graduates who can coordinate quality systems rather than simply carry out quality assurance inspection.
Specializations
Quality Assurance Inspector
Quality assurance inspectors examine manufactured products, primary produce, goods and services to make sure they meet all standards of presentation and quality. With experience and sometimes further training, it may be possible to become a quality assurance manager, who has responsibility for all quality systems within an organisation.
Average age
43
Future Growth
N/A
Gender Share
45% female
Average full-time
42 hours
Weekly Pay
N/A
Skill level rating
Very high skill
Unemployment
Average unemployment
Full-Time Share
80%
Employment Size
4,000
Employment by state
ACT: 0.5%
NSW: 20.2%
NT: 0.5%
QLD: 21.2%
SA: 22.0%
TAS: 6.9%
VIC: 19.3%
WA: 9.5%
Age brackets
15-19: 4.5%
20-24: 12%
25-34: 22.9%
35-44: 16.2%
45-54: 21.8%
55-59: 10%
60-64: 7.8%
65 and Over: 4.8%
Education level
Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 6%
Bachelor degree: 9.2%
Certificate III/IV: 16.5%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 2.1%
Year 10 and below: 32.3%
Year 11: 9.2%
Year 12: 24.6%
